BYO-Sari
Your Sari. Its Story.
A New Chapter.
How It Works
The Service
BYO-Sari is Silsila's custom service, for the saris that are too precious and too personal to carry into someone else's story. These are yours. And the pieces we make from them will be yours too.
You bring the sari. You choose the silhouette. Our Darzi (tailor) in Austin handcrafts it into a custom piece made to your measurements - a top, a dress, a set, or whatever the fabric and your vision allows. One of a kind. Made only for you.
A modern heirloom.
The Process
1. Reach Out
Fill out the form below with a few details about your sari, the fabric, condition, and what you have in mind. Send us a photo if you can. We'll get back to you within 3–5 business days to discuss your vision and confirm whether the fabric is suitable for the style you're imagining.
Not sure what you want yet? Tell us about the sari and we'll suggest silhouettes that suit the fabric.
2. Send Your Sari
Once we've confirmed your order, you'll send your sari to our Austin studio. We treat every piece with the care it deserves, handled only by our Darzi, and kept safely until it becomes something new.
We accept saris in good to excellent condition. Silk, chiffon, georgette, and cotton all work beautifully. We'll let you know if anything gives us pause before you ship.
3. Choose Your Silhouette
From from our available styles, The Kahaani Top or The Bindaas Shirt; or a custom silhouette we design together. We'll confirm which works best with your fabric's weight, width, and print placement. You'll approve the final design before any cut is made.
Borders and pallus are always incorporated thoughtfully, often as the hem, collar, contrasting detail, or an accessory piece.
4. We Make It
Our Darzi handcrafts your piece in Austin. It will be cut, sewn, and finished to the same standard as every Silsila garment. You'll receive updates along the way. When it's ready, we ship it back to you with care.
Timeline: 4–6 weeks from receipt of your sari, depending on complexity and current queue.
5. You Wear It
Your piece arrives with a note about its origin and the hands that made it. Wear it on the ordinary days and the special ones - whenever you want to feel close to whoever gave you that sari.
That's what it's for.
The Saris
Not every sari translates into every silhouette, but most saris translate into something. Here's a quick guide to what works well.
Silk & Georgette
The best fabrics for tops and bottoms Lightweight, fluid, and beautiful in motion. Works for nearly any silhouette.
Chiffon
Delicate and sheer. Works beautifully as a layered top or a relaxed blouse. Requires a lining for most styles.
Cotton & Linen
Heavier weight, great for structured pieces. Block-printed cotton makes exceptional shirts with unique character.
Please note, heavily embellished and embroidered saris increase complexity and limitations for creating something new with the material. At this time we are only accepting printed saris, or saris with minimal zari or threadwork embroidery for custom pieces.
The Investment
BYO-Sari pricing reflects the handwork involved. Every piece is custom-cut to your measurements, made by our Austin Darzi, and finished to Silsila's standard. Here's a guide to what to expect.
The Kahaani Top
- Scoop neck, sleeveless, relaxed fit
- Starts at $150
The Bindaas Shirt
- Camp collar, half sleeve, relaxed fit
- Starts at $250
Custom Silhouette
- Designed together based on fabric and vision
- Starts at $250
Co-ord Set
- Top + skirt or pant + accessory
- Starts at $300
Pricing is confirmed during consultation and depends on fabric complexity, style, and any custom design work involved. A 50% deposit is required to begin; the remainder is due before shipping.
Questions
What if my sari has sentimental value and I'm nervous to send it?
This is a common feeling we hear. Every sari that comes through our studio is treated as irreplaceable - because it is. We document it on arrival, handle it carefully throughout, and return every unused scrap of fabric to you with your finished piece.
What happens to the fabric that isn't used?
Every piece of unused fabric comes back to you along with your finished garment. Nothing is discarded. The border, the pallu scraps, the extra length, all of it returns to you to keep, use, or pass on.
What if my piece needs adjustments after I receive it?
Fit is something that will be discussed in detail during your consultation. We'll ask how you like your clothes to feel: form-fitting, relaxed, or oversized. Whether you like a longer hem or a cropped silhouette. Where you prefer more or less ease. The more specific you are, the better we can build to your preferences.
To help us get it right, we'll ask for your body measurements before we cut. If you have a garment in your wardrobe that fits you exactly the way you love, you can send us those measurements as well. We'll use that as our guide and build your piece to match.
That said, fit across distance is never perfect science. If you receive your piece and still have small tweaks you'd like, i.e. a slightly shorter hem, a nip at the waist, a sleeve adjustment, we offer a tailoring credit so you can have those final touches done locally by your tailor rather than shipping your garment back and forth. The credit amount and eligibility are outlined in our Refund & Return Policy. Our goal is that you love what you receive, and that getting there doesn't cost you more time or effort than it should.
How much fabric do I need?
A standard 6-yard sari is enough for most styles. A 5-yard sari works for tops. Shorter lengths may limit silhouette options. Tell us what you have and we'll be honest about what's possible.
Can I use a dupatta or salwar fabric instead of a sari?
Yes! We work with any piece of Indian textile with enough yardage and the right fabric weight. Dupattas, stoles, and fabric yardage all work. Tell us what you have and we'll advise.
How long will it take?
4–6 weeks from the day we receive your sari, depending on the style and our current queue. We'll give you a more specific timeline during your consultation and keep you updated throughout.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we accept saris from and ship finished pieces to most countries. International shipping costs are the customer's responsibility both ways. We'll discuss this during consultation.
Get Started
Tell Us About Your Sari
Fill in what you can. We'll follow up within 3–5 business days to talk through the rest.